Some conservatives have sought to derail Ryan's legislative response to the crisis by tarring it as a "bailout" — a toxic label on both sides of the aisle since the financial crisis. But Ryan has refused to relent. In fact, he is doubling down on passing a bill that he asserts will avert an otherwise inevitable genuine bailout. While many political pundits view the pending legislation as stalled, Ryan is willing to go all-in to pass a law enabling Puerto Rico to restructure its debt before a disorderly liquidation is triggered on July 1.

Even as he guards his flank against a career-damaging debt crisis on his watch, Ryan remains focused on what has long been his top policy priority: comprehensive tax reform. Seen by many inside the Beltway as the Holy Grail of policy accomplishments, it is also the thorniest of issues to tackle, as demonstrated by the lack of a major tax code rewrite in the past 30 years.

Given the current level of government dysfunction, it is easy to remain skeptical that anything will change after the elections. However, here is the key difference: Ryan does not see protecting his position as Speaker as an impediment to getting tax reform done. On the contrary, he assuredly views accomplishing tax reform as his excuse to move on. He would rather use his current role as an eventual springboard to higher political aspirations than hanging on too long like his fellow cheesehead, former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. And there would be no better feather in his cap when leaving than having successfully ushered tax reform through the legislative process.

Ryan, who lost his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all to heart attacks in their fifties, often emphasizes protecing quality time with his family. But by betting all of his political chips to get tax reform passed before the next midterm elections, Ryan will earn himself the ability to spend as much time as he wants with his family while he considers his next political move, be it the governor's mansion in Madison or seeking to move directly to the White House.

Myrow is managing partner of Beacon Policy Advisors LLC, an independent policy research firm based in Washington. He previously served in several government positions, including as a senior Treasury Department official under President George W. Bush from 2008 to 2009.